As Gotham FC heads into the final stretches of 2021, announcements and rumors have been flying regarding what the team will look like next season.
With the 2022 Expansion Draft and College Draft scheduled for December 16th and 18th respectively, Gotham FC along with the other 12 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), have been busy making moves during a quick trade window this month.
Player Departures
So far, Gotham FC has announced the departures of two of their international players from this year - midfielders Sodam Lee of South Korea, and Gaëtane Thiney of France. Both returned to their prospective countries, with Thiney rejoining Pairs FC after finishing her loan with Gotham.
Sodam Lee of Gotham FC
In addition to Lee and Thiney, Gotham FC declined to exercise the option to extend contracts for midfielder Kenie Wright and backup goalkeeper Megan Hinz. Wright, a New Jersey native, was drafted by the club in 2019, but only appeared in four matches. Hinz had also been with the club since 2019.
After five years with the club, starting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan will depart Gotham FC for 2022 expansion team San Diego Wave FC. In return, Gotham received $130,000 in allocation money as well as protection from the expansion draft. Sheridan was drafted as the 23rd overall pick by the club in 2017 and was voted to this year’s Best XI.
Kailen Sheridan of Gotham FC
“One of the priorities for Gotham FC this off-season was to secure protection in the upcoming expansion draft, which meant some difficult decisions had to be made," said Interim General Manager Yael Averbuch West. “Kailen had expressed interest in pursuing other professional opportunities and we were fortunate to find a good trade partner in San Diego to accommodate her wishes. She has been a major part of this club for the past five years and we thank her for the impact she’s made. Kailen is a phenomenal goalkeeper and we know she’ll go on to do great things in the future. She’ll certainly be missed.”
Also announced was a loan of Elizabeth Eddy to the Australian A-League team, Newcastle United Jets. The season runs through March 2022, when Eddy is expected to return to Gotham. It has been common in the past for NWSL players to go down under during the NWSL off-season to gain extra experience and playing time. Eddy has been with Gotham FC since 2019.
Re-signings and Rumors
After much speculation, Gotham FC re-signed midfielder Allie Long to a two year deal. Last month, Angel City FC was fined for violating league’s tampering policy related to Long, and had to forfeit $20,000 in allocation money for 2022 as well as pay an additional $20,000 fine. Although no further details were released, her re-signing to Gotham came as a relief to many fans. Originally from Northport, NY, Long was part of the 2019 World Cup winning team and participated in the 2016 Olympic Games with the U.S. Women’s National Team. She brought her talents this year to Gotham FC and reached her 150 regular season appearance milestone with the club.
Allie Long of Gotham FC
“Bringing Allie back was a key offseason priority for us,” said Interim General Manager Yael Averbuch West. “She’s an incredible talent who plays with such consistency and composure. She played a big role in solidifying our midfield last season and led by example on and off the field. We’re thrilled to welcome her back.”
The most tantalizing detail so far are unconfirmed reports that former U.S. Women’s National Team players Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris have been traded to Gotham FC. Although no further details have been announced, the potential of this news shocked the women’s soccer world, as the married pair were believed to be quite settled in Florida with their club, the Orlando Pride.
A Quick Look
Gotham FC is not the only club shaking things up, and teams are bound to look different next year with the two new teams joining the league. In terms of announcements, trades, and signings, there is absolutely more to come. Although it remains unclear what will be announced before draft day, we will all just have to stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
Take a look at the below list to get a snapshot of where things stand as of this morning.
Departing Internationals:
- Gaëtane Thiney (returning to Paris FC after loan period)
- Sodam Lee (contract ended)
Not Re-signed:
- Kenie Wright (club declined to exercise option)
- Megan Hinz (club declined to exercise option)
Traded:
- Kailen Sheridan to San Diego Wave FC (Gotham Receives draft protection and allocation money)
Rumored acquisitions:
- Ashlyn Harris from Orlando Pride
- Ali Krieger from Orlando Pride
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